Proposition 19 supporters remain hopeful

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Many leaders in the medical marijuana community met at City Hall Tuesday to endorse Proposition 19.

With just a few weeks before California voters cast their ballots on Nov. 2, the group is confident the proposition will pass.

"In essence, what we believe is that California is going to make the right decision to end prohibition of cannabis because it's a failed policy," said Jeff Jones, a long-time activist for medical marijuana and co-proponent of the campaign "Yes on Proposition 19."

Jones and the others said they believe the prohibition leads to higher costs for legal medical users. Legalizing the drug, on the other hand, would allow adults over 21 to grow the cannabis themselves. This, in turn, would make it more accessible for patients.

However, opposition against this initiative stands strong.

"Proposition 19 is such a jumbled, flawed, legal nightmare," said Tim Rosales, who is the campaign manager of "No on Proposition 19."

One of his main concerns is, if the measure passes, drivers will be able to drive while under the substance.

"There is no test or standard, like the 0.08 for alcohol," Rosales said. "And therefore, law enforcement would have no way to judge whether or not someone is impaired behind the wheel because of marijuana."

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